Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Madonna University

Madonna University's nursing program starts strong with first-year graduates earning $73,608, but then follows an unusual trajectory—earnings actually drop to $67,074 by year four. This backward slide is rare in nursing, where most programs show steady income growth as graduates gain experience and move into specialized roles. At 40th percentile among Michigan nursing schools, Madonna trails the state median by about $7,800. For context, nearby competitors like University of Michigan-Flint and Alma College place graduates earning $10,000-15,000 more four years out.

The debt picture offers some relief: $31,000 is manageable for a nursing degree, just slightly above Michigan's median and representing a reasonable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income. With a 93% admission rate and accessible entry requirements, Madonna provides a pathway into nursing for students who might not get into more selective programs.

Here's the practical reality: Your child will likely land a decent nursing job immediately after graduation, but this program doesn't appear to position graduates for the career advancement or specialization opportunities that drive higher mid-career earnings. If affordability and guaranteed admission matter most, Madonna gets you to an RN license. If maximizing earning potential is the priority, the top-quartile Michigan programs justify a closer look—they're producing nurses who out-earn Madonna graduates by $10,000+ annually within four years of graduation.